This should be interesting. It would probably be good to mention the type of gig and age group.

Hi Scott:

In my experience with "Senior Ballroom Dances" and also depends where within an area, here in Arizona, in the Sun City area and Sun City West right next to each other, are different some more upbeat other slower.

To fill the dance floor in General (in my area), usually a Medium Foxtrot does the trick, for older "seniors", usually a Waltz.

The new "baby boomer seniors" more upbeat tempos, songs like A crazy little thing called love, Rock-Swing type, or R&R 50's/60's.

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mdorantes

Thank you for your input.

My band mainly plays for Baby Boomers or younger I guess. Like Scott said "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" works but so does the AC/DC we play "Back In Black" and "You Shook Me". But our audience also likes dancing slow to tunes like "Beautiful Tonight" and "Angel Baby". Dancers like to mix it up a bit rather than having constant up tempo music.
Slow dancing gives them a chance to dance close and cuddle a bit.


[This message has been edited by Nigel (edited 05-13-2010).]

Driving My Life Away
Hot Stuff
You Sexy Thing
What The Hell I Got
Squeezebox
Please Please Me

These seem to be the ones that'll encourage a slowish crowd to get off their duffs. I think it's partly due to the strong, familiar intros and 'uppy' tempos on these songs. That's not to say that doesn't apply to many other songs, so there may be other forces at work here.

Good topic, Scott.

I meant to add that we play mainly for boomer and up crowds, though there are usually some thirtysometings around, too.

if you ask your self this question your really shouldn't be playing in front of people until you have enough experience watching others and absorbing. It takes many many years to be effective in a dance situation don't kid yourself. Don't become one of those "I only Care about the money" type players that I see all over.B ut in a way I can only thank them.....because the more they play.... the more jobs I get.. !



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 05-14-2010).]

I disagree....some may be inexperienced, but does not mean do not play for people..The question is legitimate...for the folks that are trying to improve...
The most important thing is playing well....you will know what to play..soon after..

Hmmmmmmmm?



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 05-14-2010).]

This is a valid question for several reasons...
A person may not be experienced in playing for 'dances' and would like to know what people are playing for various types of gigs ... this is a question that has appeared here in many ways i.e. "what songs to play for: a Bar Mistvah; a NH; a 50's party; etc., etc.
Because a person may not have the EXPERIENCE in playing 'dances' does not mean he/she doesn't have the ABILITY to play those gigs and play them well ...
It is true that experience means a lot, but NO ONE starts out being experienced ...

And maybe the asker is just being inquisitive as to what people are playing for various types of gigs ...
JMHO,
t.